Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:32 AM AWST
23/07/2026 1:32 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Inspect and prepare a motive power unit
Inspect and prepare a motive power unit
Unit of competency
National Code
TLIB3075A
TLIB3075A
State Code
D4992
D4992
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/03/2014
Field of Education
039999 - Engineering And Related Technologies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
21/03/2014
Nominal Hours
197
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to inspect, prepare and start a motive power unit in accordance with relevant workplace practices, rail regulations and codes of practice. It includes the checking and preparing of the motive power unit, visually examining the motive power unit, conducting in-cab checks, and starting and positioning the motive power unit for service in accordance with workplace requirements. Licensing or certification requirements are not applicable to this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Start motive power unit
- 1.1 Roster is checked and interpreted for day's train driving activities
- 1.2 Allocation of motive power units is checked in conjunction with appropriate personnel
- 1.3 Motive power unit to be inspected and prepared is located
- 1.4 Motive power unit is started in accordance with manufacturers instructions and/or workplace procedures and any operating faults are recognised, diagnosed, reported and recorded in appropriate records for follow-up
- 1.5 In the case of safety, critical or serious equipment faults that cannot be readily rectified, the motive power unit is shut down, the faulty equipment isolated and tagged and the problem reported for rectification
- 1.6 All instruments and gauges are observed and readings interpreted to confirm effective operation, including air and electrical. Where a problem is indicated, action is taken to determine the cause and to rectify or report the situation
- 1.7 Where required, fluid levels are rechecked after starting and appropriate action is taken if required
- 1.8 Pre-departure checks are carried out to ensure motive power unit is braking and powering effectively and is safe to move
2Prepare for work activities
- 2.1 Roster is checked and interpreted for day's train driving activities
- 2.2 Allocation of motive power units is checked as per notices in conjunction with train controllers and roster clerk
- 2.3 Trackside safety and, if appropriate, basic electrification awareness procedures are followed while locating the allocated motive power unit in the yard
- 2.4 Motive power unit inspection and preparation duties are identified and interpreted
- 2.5 Train schedules and notices and other operational and regulatory documentation are accessed and interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures
- 2.6 Communication equipment required for the day's operations is obtained and checked to ensure that it is functional
- 2.7 Required personal protective equipment is obtained for use during the day's train driving activities
- 2.8 Motive power unit to be inspected and prepared is located in the yard
3Inspect and prepare motive power unit
- 3.1 Features, functions and location of motive power unit and associated equipment are identified
- 3.2 Log book is checked to confirm serviceability of unit
- 3.3 Preparation and safety checks are conducted, in accordance with OH&S and other workplace policies and procedures
- 3.4 Motive power unit, kit and equipment are checked and defects and deficiencies are recorded and rectified, isolated, tagged (where applicable) or reported as per workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 3.5 Availability of appropriate fuel, lubricating oils, water, coolant and sand quantities (where applicable) are checked against journey requirements and appropriate action is taken to replenish them if required
- 3.6 Relevant OH&S and regulatory requirements are followed
4Conduct in-cab checks
- 4.1 Motive power unit is checked in correct sequence and all equipment is confirmed to be operating to optimum requirements
- 4.2 Cab layout is checked and confirmed to meet operating requirements
- 4.3 Pre-departure mechanical checks are correctly performed and correct functioning of all equipment is confirmed as per workplace procedures and manufacturers operating requirements
- 4.4 Supervisory controls and indicators are checked to ensure they are functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if they are not working correctly
- 4.5 Communication equipment is checked to ensure that it is functioning correctly and appropriate action is taken if it is not working correctly
- 4.6 Seat, windows, blinds, air conditioners, heaters and other personal in-cab equipment are checked and adjusted for correct functionality, safety and comfort
- 4.7 Auxiliary equipment is checked and is confirmed to be operational in accordance with operating requirements
- 4.8 Fire extinguisher and emergency toolbox are checked to confirm that they are in position and meet operational requirements
5Complete documentation
- 5.1 All required documentation concerning the inspection of the motive power unit is completed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
- 5.2 Log book and other service records on the motive power unit are completed in accordance with workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
6Position motive power unit
- 6.1 Authority to move and position motive power unit is obtained and relevant personnel are advised of intention and procedures
- 6.2 Motive power unit is operated in accordance with standard procedures and regulatory requirements and within operating and operational constraints
- 6.3 Motive power unit is positioned in accordance with operational requirements and directions
- 6.4 Motive power unit performance is monitored during operation in order to confirm effective operation or to identify defects
- 6.5 Equipment defects are identified, reported, rectified and recorded or relevant personnel are advised for assistance
- 6.6 Relevant OH&S and regulatory requirements are followed to ensure safety and to prevent injury and damage
- 6.7 Train controller and other relevant personnel are advised that the motive power unit is secured in the required position and is ready for service
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in all weather conditions
Motive power units may include all motive power units in service within Australian rail systems and may include:
diesel locomotives
electric locomotives
railcars
multiple units (including electric multiple units)
Motive power equipment may include:
auxiliary systems
automatic control systems
braking systems
drive systems
instrumentation
manual controls
remote train and signal control systems
communication systems
warning equipment
power source
vigilance systems
traction systems
head and marker lights
Inspection of a motive power unit may include:
lights
hoses
couplings
destination boards (electric urban train services)
doors and door locks
springs
brake equipment
wheels
seals
sand and fuel (regional diesel train services)
electrical cables
glass windows and doors
compressor oil levels
automatic power cut-out sensors
audible faults (e.g. hiss of escaping air)
visible faults (e.g. oil leaks, tears and cracks)
In-cab pre-operational checks will include:
brake checks
driver's safety control test
functionality checks of supervisory controls and indicators
traction
in-cab check of communication equipment
radio communication check
seat
windows and blinds
air conditioners and heaters
door locks
fire extinguishers
emergency toolbox
passenger service resources
Electric motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
switch batteries on
switch auxiliary compressor on
pantograph up
close main circuit breaker
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings are outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit
Diesel motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
check all fluid levels (including radiator, crankcase oil, water, compressor oil and governor oil) and take appropriate action if outside required levels
battery switch on
isolation switch to 'start'
all circuit breakers on
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings are outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit
Risk minimisation may require differentiating between faults, defects and deficiencies that:
do not present a hazard and could be attended to under running maintenance or in a normal maintenance schedule
present a potential hazard and need to be attended to under running maintenance or at the next most practical opportunity
present an immediate hazard and require immediate attention
Relevant personnel may include:
train crew
train controllers and signallers
rostering supervisors and staff
other train drivers and crews
depot coordinators
yard masters, supervisors and other operational personnel
service delivery supervisors
electric train service supervisor
station yard staff
maintenance and cleaning personnel
immediate internal or external customers
Action taken upon the identification of faults, defects or deficiencies may include:
reporting the problem and carrying out repairs (depending on the level and extent of work required), or isolating and tagging the faulty equipment and advising appropriate personnel of the fault and need for repair or replacement
Depending on the organisation concerned workplace procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Safety and personal protective equipment may include:
gloves
sunscreen and sunglasses
safety glasses
insect repellent
safety headwear and footwear
two-way radios
hand lamps
flags
safety devices
audible indicators
breathing equipment
fire extinguishers
high visibility clothing
hearing protection
Positioning of motive power unit may involve:
operation of manual points
operation of turntable
coupling/uncoupling to other rolling stock
Information and documents may include:
notices in drivers' notice board/box
reference cards
train driver roster sheet and/or table card
operational instructions, policies and procedures
emergency procedures manual
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Operations may be conducted:
by day or night
in all weather conditions
Motive power units may include all motive power units in service within Australian rail systems and may include:
diesel locomotives
electric locomotives
railcars
multiple units (including electric multiple units)
Motive power equipment may include:
auxiliary systems
automatic control systems
braking systems
drive systems
instrumentation
manual controls
remote train and signal control systems
communication systems
warning equipment
power source
vigilance systems
traction systems
head and marker lights
Inspection of a motive power unit may include:
lights
hoses
couplings
destination boards (electric urban train services)
doors and door locks
springs
brake equipment
wheels
seals
sand and fuel (regional diesel train services)
electrical cables
glass windows and doors
compressor oil levels
automatic power cut-out sensors
audible faults (e.g. hiss of escaping air)
visible faults (e.g. oil leaks, tears and cracks)
In-cab pre-operational checks will include:
brake checks
driver's safety control test
functionality checks of supervisory controls and indicators
traction
in-cab check of communication equipment
radio communication check
seat
windows and blinds
air conditioners and heaters
door locks
fire extinguishers
emergency toolbox
passenger service resources
Electric motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
switch batteries on
switch auxiliary compressor on
pantograph up
close main circuit breaker
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings are outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit
Diesel motive power unit start-up sequence will include:
check that handbrake is on
check log book
check all fluid levels (including radiator, crankcase oil, water, compressor oil and governor oil) and take appropriate action if outside required levels
battery switch on
isolation switch to 'start'
all circuit breakers on
observe and interpret gauges (electric and air)
take appropriate action if gauge readings are outside normal operation range
recheck fluid levels
start motive power unit
Risk minimisation may require differentiating between faults, defects and deficiencies that:
do not present a hazard and could be attended to under running maintenance or in a normal maintenance schedule
present a potential hazard and need to be attended to under running maintenance or at the next most practical opportunity
present an immediate hazard and require immediate attention
Relevant personnel may include:
train crew
train controllers and signallers
rostering supervisors and staff
other train drivers and crews
depot coordinators
yard masters, supervisors and other operational personnel
service delivery supervisors
electric train service supervisor
station yard staff
maintenance and cleaning personnel
immediate internal or external customers
Action taken upon the identification of faults, defects or deficiencies may include:
reporting the problem and carrying out repairs (depending on the level and extent of work required), or isolating and tagging the faulty equipment and advising appropriate personnel of the fault and need for repair or replacement
Depending on the organisation concerned workplace procedures may be called:
standard operating procedures
company procedures
enterprise procedures
organisational procedures
established procedures
Safety and personal protective equipment may include:
gloves
sunscreen and sunglasses
safety glasses
insect repellent
safety headwear and footwear
two-way radios
hand lamps
flags
safety devices
audible indicators
breathing equipment
fire extinguishers
high visibility clothing
hearing protection
Positioning of motive power unit may involve:
operation of manual points
operation of turntable
coupling/uncoupling to other rolling stock
Information and documents may include:
notices in drivers' notice board/box
reference cards
train driver roster sheet and/or table card
operational instructions, policies and procedures
emergency procedures manual
conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards
Applicable legislation, regulations and codes may include:
legislated rail safety requirements including acts and regulations from each applicable state and territory together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
relevant Australian Standards and related requirements
relevant state/territory OH&S legislation
relevant state/territory environmental protection legislation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competency performance of the following in a range of situations:
carrying out pre-operational checks on motive power units in accordance with workplace procedures
identifying typical faults or defects that may occur
identifying rectification/reporting procedures for typical faults or defects
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:
the underpinning knowledge and skills
relevant legislation and workplace procedures
other relevant aspects of the range statement
Assessment must include exercises which demonstrate competency performance of the following in a range of situations:
carrying out pre-operational checks on motive power units in accordance with workplace procedures
identifying typical faults or defects that may occur
identifying rectification/reporting procedures for typical faults or defects
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts
Resources for assessment include:
a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace
In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:
relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
Method of assessment
Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation
As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests
Practical assessment must occur:
through activities in an appropriately simulated environment, and/or
in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S5635 | TLIB7507A | Inspect and prepare a motive power unit | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVK49 | TLIB3075 | Inspect and prepare a motive power unit | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J805 | TLI42613 | Certificate IV in Train Driving | Qualification |